Taking Flight

The commercial aviation industry is a major part of the U.S. transportation infrastructure and a key contributor to the nation's economy. The industry is facing the effects of a reduced role by the military as a source of high-quality trained personnel, particularly pilots and mechanics. At the same time, it is facing the challenges of a changing American workforce.This book is a study of the civilian training and education programs needed to satisfy the work-force requirements of the commercial aviation industry in the year 2000 and beyond, with particular emphasis on issues related to access to aviation careers by women and minorities.Table of ContentsFRONT MATTEREXECUTIVE SUMMARY1 INTRODUCTION2 THE AVIATION INDUSTRY AND ITS WORKFORCE3 THE IMPACT OF MILITARY DOWNSIZING4 CIVILIAN TRAINING FOR AVIATION CAREERS5 DIVERSIFYING THE AVIATION WORKFORCEREFERENCESAPPENDIX: BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHESINDEX